JP2001298556A - Intelligent network telecommunication system strategically preparing and adopting service dependent pseudo calling line identifier(cli) for excluding double charging error - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prepare and use a service depending pseudo calling line identifier(CLI) for excluding a double charging error. SOLUTION: Double charging to telephone transactions where the collision of charging occurs between an intelligent network(IN) and the other element of a system is avoided by preparing the service depending pseudo calling line identifier(CLI) by a service control point(SCP). When a pseudo CLI retrieving table stored in an SCP database shows (on the basis of a destination number(DN) or a service key(SK)) that a pseudo CLI has to be prepared, the SCP forms a pseudo CLI or forms a new CLI number string by connecting a pre-fix listed in the table to a calling party number(CgPN). When the call is connected to the number (DN), this prepared pseudo CLI is transferred to the number (DN) instead of the original CLI. The pseudo CLI is programmed so that IN deals with the charging of a specific transaction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates generally to intelligent network (IN) telecommunications systems for providing telephone services. More particularly, the present invention relates to the charging of toll calls in the networks described above, telephone calls to special services, and potentially in other situations where charging is handled by one or more elements of the system. Regarding management.

[0002]

[Prior Art] Intelligent Network (IN)
Is used to automatically handle telephone calls within a telecommunications system, for example, the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In a typical intelligent network (IN) architecture, a central computer called a service control point (SCP) stores the logic and data for routing telephone services and telephone calls through the network. Some switches used to perform call switching in intelligent networks (INs) use standard messaging protocols, such as the International Telecommunications Unions (ITU) I
ntelligent Network Application Part (INAP) or European Telecommunication Standards Institute
(ETSI) Service control point (S
Communicate with CP). Typically, the switches described above each include a service switching point (SSP) for controlling call routing, an outgoing call processor (OCP) for first handling calls routed to the switch,
And a terminating call processor (TCP) for terminating the call to the destination. In this specification, the terminus (te
The terms "rmination" and "terminating" are used to mean connect a call to a destination number.

[0003] These switches may further comprise one or more intelligent peripherals (IP) used to interface between the customer and the intelligent network (IN) to make the system more user friendly; Or connected to them. Intelligent peripherals (IP) include announcement devices, text-to-speech converters, and dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) generated by the alphanumeric keypad of a customer's telephone or other telephone device or other device A decoder for decoding the signal.

[0004] As is well known in the art, customers are connected to an intelligent network (IN) via a local exchange carrier or local exchange center (LEC).

[0005] The software of the intelligent network (IN) can be modified via the service creation environment (SCE) to modify or delete existing services or to introduce new services.
Related service management systems (SMS) are used by customers to set up or modify telephone services, including telephone calls to automated menus and conversations with telephone operators, via several communication avenues or via the Internet. .

Communication (ie, queries, responses, etc.) between the various elements of the intelligent network (IN) is performed using common channel signaling (CCS) or packet switching, eg, ITU's System Numer 7 (S7). Is done.

[0007] Calling Line Identifie
rs, CLI) (this is Calling Line Identities or Ca
lling Line Identifications) is used to indicate the telephone line / wire or trunk group of the outgoing telephone call. Important uses of this calling line identifier (CLI) include Caller Identification (Cal)
ler ID) and telephone billing management.

[0008] Intelligent networks (INs) according to the prior art are often not other elements of a general telecommunications system, but rather specify various customer transactions for which the IN deals with charging. For example, an intelligent network (IN) that processes telephone calling card transactions is set up to also handle billing. In today's telecommunications systems, billing for telephone transactions, such as long distance calls or calls to special service platforms, is handled by the elements that perform that service or connection, and the calling party's CLI is financially responsible. Used to identify a customer.

[0009] A telephone customer requests a special service,
When connected to this, the special service platform charges the service using the original CLI received. Special services include a variety of services such as information checks, general consultations, weather information, time and temperature announcements, and directory assistance.

When a telephone call arrives at the tandem or toll switch, the tandem or toll switch is generated by the original CLI received or by the outgoing call processor (OCP) of the upstream switch if the original CLI is not available. Use the pseudo CLI to charge for long-distance calls or other services.

[0011]

Prior art telecommunications systems are configured so that the serving element automatically handles billing, and the intelligent network (IN) also charges some transactions. , There are often charging conflicts, with double (or extra) charging for the same telephone transaction. For example, an intelligent network (IN) charges a calling card customer's calling card account when the customer dials a special service or long distance number.
However, the special service platform also
The CLI associated with the telephone line being called is billed, thus creating a double billing problem. The tandem or toll switch also charges the long-distance call to the CLI associated with the CLI of the telephone line on which the call was placed, even though the IN has already charged for the long-distance call. Therefore, the problem of double billing occurs.

Several prior art solutions to avoid the double billing situation described above exist on the outgoing call processor (OCP) side of the telephone system switch. However,
In addition to these solutions having no control implemented from the IN side of the telephone system, these solutions are not service dependent.

[0013] Accordingly, there is a need in the field of intelligent network (IN) telecommunications systems to avoid service-dependent double billing situations due to the above-mentioned confused CLI problem (not satisfied by the prior art). I do.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention is directed to intelligent network telecommunications systems in situations where there is a charging conflict due to disrupted CLI problems. A method is provided for avoiding double charging between an intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system for use. The method includes providing at least a plurality of telephone devices for making and receiving telephone calls;
And providing an automatic intelligent network (IN) for automatically processing telephone calls in the telecommunications network. This intelligent network (I
N) comprises a service control point (SCP) comprising at least control logic and an SCP database, the IN further comprising at least a plurality of switches connected to the telephone device.

The method further includes the step of routing the call authorized by the service control point (SCP) through the switch to a destination number (DN) specified by the calling party, charging the intelligent network (IN) for telephone transactions. Via a service control point (SCP) and a destination number (DN) or service key (SK) from the SCP database to charge between the intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system Pseudo-calling line identifier (CLI) instead of the original calling line identifier (CLI) to indicate that a collision exists.
Creating and replacing. The method additionally includes the step of forwarding the telephone call to a destination number (DN) with a pseudo CLI instead of the original CLI.

The present invention is further directed to avoid double charging between the intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system in situations where there is a charging conflict due to confused CLI problems. An adapted intelligent network telecommunications system is provided. The system comprises at least a plurality of telephone devices adapted to place and receive telephone calls, and an automatic intelligent network (IN) adapted to automatically process telephone calls in a telecommunications network. . The intelligent network (IN) includes at least a service control point (SCP) with control logic and an SCP database, the IN further comprising at least a plurality of switches connected to the telephone device.

The switches are adapted to route calls authorized by a service control point (SCP) to a destination number (DN) specified by the calling party. Service Control Point (SC
P) indicates that the destination number (DN) or service key (SK) is S
From CP database to intelligent network (I
N) and indicates that there is a charging conflict between another element of the system and strategically the original calling line identifier (CL
It is adapted to create and replace a pseudo calling line identifier (CLI) instead of I). This SCP is further adapted to forward telephone calls to a destination number (DN) with a pseudo-CLI instead of the original CLI.

Various features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0019]

FIG. 1 shows the basic hardware of a telecommunications system 100 according to the present invention. Telecommunications system 100 is nominally an intelligent network comprising a service control point (SCP) 124, a service management system / service creation environment (SMS / SCE) 126, and several switches, for example, switches 128, 130, 132. (IN) 102. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the service control point (SCP) 124 is not limited to a single geographic location and may be implemented as a networked database.

The switch includes a service switching point (SSP), eg, SSP 134, an outgoing call processor (OC).
P) 136 and a terminating call processor (TCP) 138. The switch also has associated intelligent peripherals (I) for playing announcement messages and for prompting and collecting user information.
P). These intelligent peripherals (IP)
Can be a stand-alone unit 142, a unit 140 integrated in an associated switch, or a unit (not shown) in a service node (SN).

The system 100 includes a plurality of calling parties,
For example, allow the calling party represented by telephones 112, 116 and 120 in FIG. 1 to make and receive telephone calls. As is well known to those skilled in the art, these calling parties are located at a local exchange center (LE).
C), eg, LECs 114, 118, and 12 of FIG.
2 through the intelligent network (IN) 102
Connect to

The special service platform 108 is connected directly to the switch 134 or to the tandem or toll switch 1
04.

The tandem or toll switch 104 includes an intelligent network (IN) 102 and an IN 10
2 connects the call to another public telephone network (PSTN) 106 or a special service platform 108 of the system 100. Destination party, eg, FIG. 1
The destination party, represented as telephone device 110,
Telephone calls processed through an intelligent network (IN) 102 are received via a toll switch 104 and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 106.

The functions of the elements of the telecommunications system 100 are similar to the functions described in the "Background" section above. New features of telecommunications system 100 are described below.

An SCP database (not shown) may be simulated by a destination number (DN) and / or a service key (SK) to complete a telephone call without double billing.
Stores an extensive pseudo-CLI table that indicates whether a CLI is needed. The service key (SK) is a code that specifies the type of telephone service based on the dialed number or access code. The pseudo CLI table stored in the SCP database is determined and prepared by the network operator based on service and billing needs. The creation of the pseudo CLI is performed completely independently of the switching and / or call processing, depending on the service. This pseudo CLI table is accessed by the network operator via the service management system (SMS) and is changed as needed.

In the system 100 of the present invention, billing for a telephone transaction is to be handled by an intelligent network (IN), and in addition, if the equipment to which the telephone call is directed also handles normal billing management, Service Management System (SM
A pseudo CLI table is prepared and created by S), and the pseudo CLI table is stored in the service control point (SCP).
Stored in the database. For example, if a prepaid telephone calling card customer dials an access code that connects to an intelligent network (IN), the IN is programmed to handle billing management, but the prepaid telephone calling card customer is contacted for an area call or special service. If you enter a destination number (DN) that corresponds to the connection to the platform, there will be a billing conflict between the IN and another element of the system (the problem of double billing).

In such a situation, the service control point (SCP) uses the prefix (in the pseudo CLI lookup table) associated with the type of service represented by its destination number (DN) and uses this prefix. A pseudo CLI is formed by combining a part or all of the fix and the calling party number (CgPN), or a completely new CLI number string is formed, which is referred to as "Connect" ope.
Send to the service switching point (SSP) in the calling party number parameter of the ration. When the intelligent network (IN) connects the telephone call to a special service platform or toll switch, the service switching point (SSP) simulates the original CLI received.
Replace the CLI, store the pseudo CLI in the call record and map this to outgoing signaling.

The elements of the system that attempt to charge for the call in the above example, such as the special service platform 108 or the tandem / toll switch 104, are pseudo-CL.
I will not charge any customer because it is not associated with any customer. According to the present invention, the tendency for double charging associated with conventional intelligent network telecommunication systems can thus be avoided. In addition, since this pseudo CLI is created depending on the service by the intelligent network (IN), the special service platform or the tandem / toll switch identifies the service from the pseudo CLI thus created and provides the service with the service. Based on this, double billing can be avoided.

The algorithm 200 of FIG.
00 in a situation where there is a billing conflict between the intelligent network (IN) 102 and other elements (eg, the special service platform 108 or the tandem / toll switch 104). Describe how to handle. The algorithm 200 is used by a calling card customer ("Party A") to place a call on an intelligent network (I
N) Triggered when calling to the exchange (step 202). In step 204, the service switching point (SSP) of the exchange is set to the InitalDP operator
n to the service control point (SCP).

In step 206, in response to the InitalDP operation, the service control point (SCP) instructs the service switching point (SSP) to connect the party A to the intelligent peripheral device (IP). At step 208, the intelligent peripheral (IP) prompts party A to enter information such as a calling card number and a personal identification number (PIN), as is well known in the art. In step 210, the service control point (SCP) performs a validity check, compares the PIN entered by party A with the PIN stored in the SCP database for the calling card in question, and the transaction is authorized. Is determined.

If the transaction is valid, party A is prompted to enter a destination number (DN), in this case, a number corresponding to a special service platform or toll call (steps 212 and 21).
4). If the transaction is not valid, the calling party is given the opportunity to re-enter a valid calling card number and PIN (steps 212 and 21).
6). In the preferred embodiment, if the attempt fails a predetermined number of times, the call is directed to an operator service position system (OSPS) for operator assistance (step 218).

In step 220, the service control point (SCP) analyzes the service key (SK) information and determines that the intelligent network (IN) will handle billing for this call. The SCP then checks the pseudo CLI table to determine whether the phone call requires a pseudo CLI (based on the type of service requested, represented by the destination number (DN)) (step 222 and 224). In this case, only the destination number (DN) is important for creating the pseudo CLI because the service key (SK) is not required. If it is indicated that a pseudo CLI is not required, at step 228 the SCP connects the original CLI to the service switching point (SSP) (via the Connect operation).
Directs transmission to a special service or other destination number (DN) specified by the calling party parameter included in the operation.

On the other hand, if it is indicated that a pseudo CLI is required, then in step 226 the service control point (SCP) will (1) associate the (specific) service with the specific service being sought in the pseudo CLI lookup table. A) forming a pseudo CLI based on either the prefix and the calling party number (CgPN); or (2) an entirely new number string in the pseudo CLI lookup table, after which the SCP calls the calling party number. In the parameter (the original CLI
By inserting a pseudo CLI and sending a Connect operation to the service switching point (SSP)
Instruct the SP to connect the calling party to a special service or tandem / toll switch.

After performing step 226 or step 228, the algorithm stops (step 2).
30) Wait for another telephone call to be received.

Table 1 shows an example of a pseudo CLI search table suitable for use with the present invention. The pseudo CLI uses the service key (SK) or destination number (DN) as described above.
Is constructed or obtained from this table when indicates that this operation is required.

[0036]

Embedded image N / A-not applicable

Description: Function Flag-Connect o by SCP service logic
Pseudo CLI in calling party number parameter in peration
Is to be inserted. If this flag is on, a pseudo CLI is created; otherwise, the original CLI is sent in the Connect operation. 2. Pseudo CLI Prefix-When applied, the pseudo CLI
It is formed by prefix + original CLI. For example, the original C
If the LI is 630 244 1234 and the prefix is 200,
The pseudo CLI is 2006302441234. 3. Pseudo CLI-If applied, the pseudo CLI will be an integer string in this field, e.g., 30000000000 for calling card calls (CC), 60000000 for VPN.
0, and 80.0 billion for free calls. 4. The service logic checks the service key (SK) or destination number (DN) in this lookup table,
To determine. For example, in the cases of Nos. 1 to 3, only the service key (SK) is checked; in the cases of cases 4 to 6,
The destination number (DN) is checked. 5. The destination number (DN) may be local (Case 4), long distance (Case 5), or a special service platform (Case 6). 6. If no entry is found in the table, the SCP service logic reverts to the original CLI in the calling party number parameter.
In Connect operation, or Connect
Select either to ignore the calling party parameter in operation.

Given the above description, it is believed that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible, provided that all changes and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are granted by this patent. Is considered to fall within the range of

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the basic hardware for an intelligent network telecommunications system of the present invention that creates and employs a pseudo CLI to avoid double billing.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart detailing the handling of a telephone calling card call where there is a charging conflict between the intelligent network (IN) and other elements of the telecommunications system.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Telecommunications system 102 Intelligent network (IN) 104 Tandem or toll switch 106 Public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108 Special service platform 124 Service control point (SCP) 126 Service management system / service creation environment (SMS / SCE) 112, 116 , 120 Telephone 114, 118, 122 Local Exchange Center (LEC) 128, 130, 132 Switch 134 Service Switching Point (SSP) 136 Outgoing Call Processor (OCP) 138 Terminating Call Processor (TCP) 140, 142 Intelligent Peripheral Equipment (IP)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (71) Applicant 596077259 600 Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974-0636 U.S.A. S. A.

Claims (36)

[Claims] A method for avoiding double charging between an intelligent network (IN) and another element of a system in a situation where charging collisions exist in an intelligent network telecommunication system, comprising: Providing a plurality of telephone devices for making and receiving calls; providing an automatic intelligent network (IN) for automatically processing telephone calls in the telecommunications network, wherein the intelligent Service Control Point (SCP) where network (IN) has control logic and SCP database
And wherein the IN further comprises a plurality of switches connected to the telephone device; a destination number designated by the calling party via the switch to permit a call authorized by the Service Control Point (SCP) ( DN); specifying the intelligent network (IN) to handle billing for telephone transactions; via the service control point (SCP) to the destination number (D).
N) or if the service key (SK) indicates from the SCP database that there is a charging conflict between the intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system, the original calling line identifier (CLI) Creating and replacing a pseudo calling line identifier (CLI) instead; and forwarding the telephone call to the destination number (DN) with the pseudo CLI instead of the original CLI. Method. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises the step of checking a pseudo CLI lookup table to determine if there is a charging conflict. . 3. The step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises checking a pseudo CLI lookup table and using at least a portion of a prefix and a calling party number (CgPN) from the CLI lookup table. CL
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of creating I.
The described method. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the destination number (DN) is connected to the system via a toll switch.
The described method. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a service switching point (SSP). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises checking a pseudo CLI lookup table to determine if there is a charging conflict. . 8. The step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises checking a pseudo CLI lookup table and using at least a portion of a prefix and a calling party number (CgPN) from the CLI lookup table. CL
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of creating I.
The described method. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the destination number (DN) is connected to the system via a toll switch. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises selecting a new CLI from a pseudo CLI search table. 12. A process for creating and replacing the pseudo CLI.
The method of claim 6, wherein the step further comprises selecting a new CLI from the pseudo CLI search table. 13. An intelligent network telecommunications system adapted to avoid double charging between the intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system in situations where charging collisions exist. A plurality of telephone devices adapted to place and receive telephone calls; and an automatic intelligent network (IN) adapted to automatically process telephone calls in said telecommunications network, Service control point (SC) with control logic and SCP database
P) and further comprising a plurality of exchanges connected to the telephone device (I
N), wherein the exchange has the service control point (SC).
P) is adapted to route the call authorized by the calling party to a destination number (DN) specified by the calling party;
The destination number (DN) or service key (SK) is
A pseudo calling line identifier (CLI) instead of the original calling line identifier (CLI) if the SCP database indicates that there is a charging conflict between the intelligent network (IN) and another element of the system The service control point (SCP) converts the phone call to the pseudo-CL instead of the original CLI.
A system adapted to forward with said I towards said destination number (DN). 14. The system further comprising a pseudo CLI lookup table, wherein the service control point (SCP) is further adapted to check the pseudo CLI lookup table to determine if there is a charging conflict. 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: 15. A service control point (SCP) further comprising a pseudo CLI search table, wherein said service control point (SCP) further checks said pseudo CLI search table and obtains a prefix and a calling party number (CgPN) from said CLI search table. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the system is adapted to create the pseudo CLI using at least a portion. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein said destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the destination number (DN) is connected to the system via a toll switch. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein said switch comprises a service switching point (SSP). 19. The system further comprising a pseudo-CLI lookup table, wherein the service control point (SCP) is further adapted to check the pseudo-CLI lookup table to determine if a charging conflict exists. 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein: 20. The apparatus further comprising a pseudo CLI search table, wherein the service control point (SCP) further checks the pseudo CLI search table, and at least a prefix and a calling party number (CgPN) from the CLI search table. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is adapted to create the pseudo CLI using a portion. 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 22. The system according to claim 18, wherein said destination number (DN) is connected to said system via a toll switch. 23. A pseudo CLI search table, wherein the service control point (SCP) further comprises the pseudo C
14. The system of claim 13, adapted to select a new CLI from an LI lookup table. 24. A pseudo CLI search table, wherein the service control point (SCP) further comprises the pseudo C
19. The system according to claim 18, adapted to select a new CLI from an LI lookup table. 25. A method for avoiding double charging between an intelligent network (IN) and another element of a system in situations where there is a charging conflict in an intelligent network telecommunications system, the method comprising: Providing an automatic intelligent network (IN) for automatically handling telephone calls in a telecommunications network; placing a call authorized by said IN via an exchange encompassed by said intelligent network (IN) Destination number (DN) specified by the calling party
Routing the intelligent network (IN) to handle billing for telephone transactions; via the intelligent network (IN), the destination number (DN) or service key (SK) (IN) and another element of the system indicates that there is a charging conflict, the original calling line identifier (CL
Creating and replacing a pseudo calling line identifier (CLI) instead of I); and forwarding the telephone call to said destination number (DN) with said pseudo CLI instead of the original CLI. Features method. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises the step of checking a pseudo CLI lookup table to determine if there is a charging conflict. Method. 27. The step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises checking a pseudo CLI lookup table and using at least a portion of a prefix and a calling party number (CgPN) from the CLI lookup table. The method of claim 25, comprising creating a pseudo CLI. 28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 29. The method according to claim 25, wherein the destination number (DN) is connected to the system via a toll switch. 30. The method according to claim 25, wherein the switch comprises a service switching point (SSP). 31. The step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises: checking a pseudo CLI search table;
The method of claim 30, comprising determining whether a charging conflict exists. 32. The step of creating and replacing the pseudo CLI further comprises: checking a pseudo CLI lookup table;
Using the prefix from the CLI lookup table and at least a portion of the calling party number (CgPN)
The method of claim 30, including creating a CLI. 33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the destination number (DN) specifies a special service platform. 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the destination number (DN) is connected to the system via a toll switch. 35. A process for creating and replacing the pseudo CLI.
The method of claim 25, wherein the step further comprises selecting a new CLI from the pseudo-CLI lookup table. 36. A process for creating and replacing the pseudo CLI.
The method of claim 30, wherein the step further comprises selecting a new CLI from the pseudo CLI search table.